Government inducement to crime

Incrimination through entrapment
Government conspiracy to incriminate
False incrimination

Nature

Civil or military police, or government agents, may entice or lure individuals or groups into breaking the law. This may be done to apprehend known criminals by having an undercover officer party to the incriminating act and therefore able to testify concerning it, if in fact, the individual concerned is not caught 'red-handed' in the act itself. Trapping individuals in this manner may also be used to incriminate and convict enemies of the state and political dissenters, by leading them to break laws concerning the national interest or censorship. Entrapment is illegal in many countries, in particular because it may be abused; it may cause an individual to commit a crime in order to punish him, when in fact the crime would not otherwise have been committed at all.

Where individuals cannot be tricked or entrapped into breaking the law, and are innocent of wrongdoing, law enforcement agents may introduce or plant evidence of law-breaking in the individuals residence, office, automobile, or other property, or in clothing; or they may falsely testify that they found incriminating evidence in the individual's possession. Where the nature of the act does not require physical evidence, agents may conspire to incriminate individuals by giving false witness and perjuring themselves, or by using paid or black-mailed individuals in their place to testify against the innocent. These acts are criminal under all legal systems but occur nevertheless.

Background

Government inducement to crime emerged as a recognized global concern in the 20th century, notably following revelations of undercover operations and entrapment scandals in the United States and Europe. Public inquiries and legal challenges highlighted the ethical and legal dilemmas posed by state actors provoking criminal acts. International scrutiny intensified as similar practices surfaced in anti-terrorism and anti-corruption campaigns, prompting debates on accountability and the boundaries of legitimate law enforcement worldwide.

Incidence

Entrapment includes such devices as 'sting operations' in the USA where police officers pose as receivers of stolen goods or 'fences' and encourage burglars and other criminals to bring them stolen property which they purchase and hold as evidence. It is also related to the actions of government agitators in political parties, labour unions, or social action groups, where they encourage violence or other law breaking in order to discredit or incriminate the entire organization. A government or regime may also be entrapped (to bring it down or to blackmail it), by agents of foreign powers.

Claim

Government inducement to crime is a grave and unacceptable abuse of power that undermines the very foundation of justice. When authorities lure individuals into criminal acts, they betray public trust and erode confidence in law enforcement. This practice not only targets vulnerable citizens but also diverts resources from genuine crime prevention. Addressing government-induced crime is essential to protect civil liberties and ensure a fair, accountable legal system for all.

Counter-claim

Government inducement to crime is an overblown concern with little real-world impact. Law enforcement rarely entraps innocent people; instead, they target those already predisposed to criminal activity. The legal system has robust safeguards to prevent abuse, making this issue more theoretical than practical. Focusing on this supposed problem distracts from genuine threats to public safety and justice. In reality, government inducement to crime is simply not an important problem.